Johannesburg - Former Gauteng housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's driver was found guilty by the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court on Tuesday of negligent and reckless driving.
“The accused is found guilty of reckless and negligent driving in that he did not make himself visible to other road users. He also did not render any assistance to the complainant,” said magistrate Abdul Khan.
Joseph Motsamai Semitjie stood trial for reckless or negligent driving, and of failing to help injured motorcyclist, teenager Thomas Ferreira.
Ferreira collided with the BMW X5 Semitjie was driving when it skipped a traffic light while on the left-hand side of the yellow line in Paardekraal Drive, Krugersdorp, on the West Rand, on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The 18-year-old sustained head injuries and was comatose for weeks.
Semitjie acted recklessly and failed to use the vehicle's siren to warn other road users.
“He also acted recklessly by failing to make sure it was safe before he entered the intersection, therefore posing a danger to other road users and himself.”
Khan said the court accepted all the evidence given by State witnesses. Ferreira was in no condition to testify.
The witnesses testified that it would have been impossible for Ferreira to assume Semitjie was about to enter the intersection as there was no siren from the X5.
Semitjie had no advanced driving qualifications and acted while knowing he did not have the skill to do so, Khan said. - Sapa